No More Career Pity Parties

By Dr. June Hall

No More Career Pity Parties covers four topics in a succinct manner so readers can determine what needs to be done in terms of developing and handling career concerns then and jump right into doing it. The four topics are:
• discovering ways to determine a good career that fits your personality and skills;
• the traditional and non-traditional employment search
• the application and interview process
• ways to handle various situations that occur while employed such as stress and burnout
Each chapter begins with my 2 cents, followed by Q & A from the advice column, then leads into the heart of the matter. There are so many people in college, others trying to get back in the workplace, and those who are displaced homemakers that don't know where to start regarding a career or even basic employment. No More Career Pity Parties offers help regardless if you’re a teenage or mature adult looking for simple answers regarding gaining, sustaining, or changing employment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483416243

Book preview

JUNE

Copyright © 2014 June Hall.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-1625-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-1624-3 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 08/12/2014

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1    Make A Decision

Chapter 2    Go For The Hunt

Chapter 3    A Lasting Impression

Chapter 4    To Be Or Not To Be Content

Acknowledgements

Resources

INTRODUCTION

The newspaper editor slumped forward in her chair, put her head on her desk and cried like a baby. It was late one evening and she was all alone in a South Florida newsroom usually bustling with energy.

The frustrating workload, nerve-wracking deadlines and unrelenting demands from readers and higher-ups had finally taken their toll.

It wasn’t the first time the high-profile section editor had experienced a self-described mental meltdown. Years earlier, she had spent two days in a mental hospital for evaluation after becoming too weak to function. It was enough to make her change newspapers, but it wasn’t the way out she needed. For 20 years, she had complained about a career that had driven up her blood pressure and lowered her self-esteem. Nevertheless, she didn’t know how to become unstuck. She had been in a career pity party zone for nearly two decades!

One of the people the Divine put in her path during that time was June Hall, who was seeking to put her nationally distributed advice column in their newspaper’s lifestyle section. Although June was unaware at the time, their frequent conversations helped the editor to re-examine her careergoals and to understand it was time to move on. Within weeks of that lonely night in the newsroom, the editor had quit her job and was heading for an exciting new career and life in another state.

Many of us spend far too much time in situations that don’t work for us - whether they’re draining relationships or jobs. Finding fulfillment means being true to ourselves, finding a balance that supports where we need to be mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Spending eight hours – or whatever your workday requires - on an emotional roller coaster is no way to live. Regardless of what we profess, most of us want more from our jobs than a paycheck. In our journey toward enlightenment, it is vital that we find the life work that allows us to be our best self, to truly express who we are. In essence, our labor should not be in vain.

For years, June has been helping others drag themselves out of life-draining situations through her work as a counselor, instructor and advice columnist. Through the column, June dishes out practical but sage advice about everything from finding meaningful relationships to handling career crises. Just over a year ago, she folded what she calls her 2 cents into an amazing little hardback, No More Pity Parties: A Guide to Celebrating Your Way Through Life. In just months of hitting bookstores, the sleek little book had become a hot topic of discussion and June was in demand on talk shows such as Jenny Jones, Fox Houston and the speakers’ circuit. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Black Enterprise and the Chicago Tribune.

No More Career Pity Parties, the follow-up to June’s first book, offers step-by-step advice for people who find themselves stuck in unfulfilling jobs and stagnant careers. Consider it a little survival guide for people at the end of their ropes and even for those not quite ready to snap. In four tidy chapters, June gives job seekers some simple but smart basics to get a firm grip on their career.

The first chapter explores the major factors to consider when choosing a career. While some of this may seem like commonsense, do we really take the time to analyze all the aspects before getting stuck in a job? Looking for a better opportunity may not happen overnight, but it will never happen if you don’t make a decision to move on and move forward.

We’ve all heard the phrase It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. In today’s competitive job market, that old chestnut still holds true in many circles. Networking is important. Let people know you’re seeking a career change - you never know who has the key that could open the door to the opportunity of a lifetime.

Having a successful work career requires the right attitude. Of course, employers want workers with outstanding skills and talent, but they still want workers who are dedicated and dependable. Being receptive to constructive criticism and having excellent work ethics also are important. Chapter 3 gives some refreshing perspectives on blooming whereyou are.

All work and no play is no good. The last chapter deals with some adjustments that must be made to have a balanced life. Exercise and energize. Life is not a circus act. We shouldn’t try to juggle our way through. Making quality time to stay healthy and whole are essential for a prosperous career.

With No More Career Pity Parties, job seekers can find themselves moving toward a career that is prosperous, productive and satisfying. Whether we want to be an editor or entomologist, it’s up to us to get the skills, education and training to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The opportunities are already out there.

Jenise Griffin, Editor and Writer in Metro Atlanta

Chapter 1

MAKE A DECISION

My 2¢

It may not be your final career choice, but just making a decision on an area of interest puts you one step closer to the right career choice.

It’s no surprise that when I ask my students about their majors, at least one-third of them haven’t a clue about what career they want. I usually tell them that I don’t have a clue about my career either. Most of them say, Well, you’re teaching us. Isn’t that your career?

And my answer is: Not totally.

Don’t get me wrong. I